Nigel Huddleston MP has signalled that any candidate who wants to lead the Conservative Party must ensure that investment in education is one of their top priorities as Prime Minister, in order to boost social mobility.
During a debate in Parliament sponsored by former Education Secretary, Justine Greening MP, Mr Huddleston told Members that he joined the Conservative Party “precisely because we are the Party of opportunity and aspiration.”
He asked Ms Greening whether she agreed with him that Conservative MPs should “be putting the pressure on” the leadership candidates to make them aware “it is a hot topic and we want every single one of them to put it as a top priority should they become Leader.”
Ms Greening agreed with Mr Huddleston and urged the candidates to ensure that under their leadership the Government would invest more in people and their potential. She argued that the Treasury has not equated investment in human capital such as skills and people with investment in physical capital like roads and infrastructure.
During the debate, Mr Huddleston also urged outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May to make a “strategic and big move” on education funding before standing down in order to make sure the future leader of the Conservative Party is obliged to deliver that commitment and increase spending.
The debate comes as the leadership contest enters its first week, with Conservative MPs voting in the first ballot for their candidate on Thursday. Mr Huddleston is a Vice Chair of the Conservative Party which inhibits him from campaigning for or declaring support for a specific candidate. Mr Huddleston is still able to cast a vote, however, and has said this will be based on the credibility of their plan to deliver Brexit, the ambition of their post-Brexit agenda and the views of his constituents.
The participation by Mr Huddleston in this debate follows his commitment in May to sign-up and support Justine Greening’s Social Mobility Pledge, which brings businesses, universities and MPs from all political parties together with the aim of improving social mobility right across the country. Last month, Mr Huddleston called upon all Worcestershire businesses to look at signing up to the pledge.
